The Peasants Revolt

This event was one of the turning points in ending the feudal system. It challenged the lords rights to demand service from peasants.

It happened in July 1381 when between 60,000-100,000 peasants marched to London to demand an end to the Poll Tax. This hated tax on everyone over 15 of 5p was a charge too much. It came after the Statute of Labourers, 30 years earlier had made it illegal for peasants to demand wages higher than pre-plague levels.

prices had dramatically risen and this freeze on wages had hurt peoples incomes. The tax was impossible for many to pay.

Led by Wat Tyler and John Ball, the peasants from Kent and Essex were in angry mood. They destroyed buildings, set fire to crops and killed on their way. The Archbishop of Canterbury was one of their most famous victims.

Here is a drawing of the murder of the Archbishop of Canterbury

The peasants demanded to speak to the King and he agreed. The 14 year old Richard II bravely spoke and tried to calm the crowd. When the Mayor of London became so angry with Tyler's manner he flew into a rage and murdered Tyler on the spot. The King went to the crowd and calmed them. He promised to deal with their demands as long as they went home. This they did. Once the pressure had gone Richard went back on his word and had the ring-leaders killed. The revolt ended. It was not a success for the peasants but it was equally not a failure. The start of the end of feudalism had begun.

Watt Tyler is murdered and the young Richard goes to calm the peasants.